I thought I would post this here for those who are interested...and hopefully keep myself motivated. This is a project that has been underway for quite a while (spans years ) and I am finally gearing back up to finish it. This is a Jet Hangar Hobbies Mirage that I started a while back. The fuselage belonged to my Uncle (he had an unbuilt kit)...the kit was given to him back when this was a new kit on the market. So, this is one of the first fuselages to come out of the mold back in 1980. hehe, finally, she'll be seeing some airtime...hopefully.

Well, as she sits, she's mostly in primer, though there is still a bit of work to be done (lots of detailing ). She is destined for a Wren MW-54 12 lb thrust turbine. For colors, I have chosen the "Mephisto" Mirage 5 BR (had that chosen from day one ). It's a belgian Mirage comemorating the 70th Anniversary of the air wing. By the way, if anyone out there is willing to share any information they may have on the airplane or on the Mirage 5 BR that would be much appreciated!

I will be posting updates as I go along. My goal is to hopefully have her setting on her wheels for the AZ Jet Rally in November. Here are a couple shots of the airplane as she sits. Also, there is one of me holding the airplane from a couple years ago that gives a good reference of size. Oh, and one of the full size bird.

Well, first item of business was to finish off the inlets. These are the hi-tech hi-efficiency inlets that are now included with the kits. Since I'll be setting it up for turbine, the aft portion of the inlets will be removed later on once I have finalized the engine and fuel tank placement. The front of the inlets were mated up and the inlet lips were created using light weight bondo. I am looking into a way to simulate the boundary layer diverter as on the full size. I think I have an idea, so just need to attempt it.

The material is called "Split Second." IT's a two part polyester filler and mixes just like bondo (filler and hardener). The only difference is that it is extremely light weight and sands really easily. It's great stuff to work with and I swear by it.

Ah, so someone is watching! I've been slowly working. I cleaned up all of the hatches and am now cleaning up the wing saddle. I forgot to take before pictures, so the after pictures don't really show much. Also, I'm now working on my mold for the numerous air scoops that are found all over the Mirage. I'll post some pictures of that when it's done. I'll be making a "hi-tech" bondo mold.

Another good ultralight shaping and filling mixture is West System Fairing Filler (410) mixed half and half with glass microballoons into standard epoxy resin. Mix the powders into epoxy until the consistency of peanut butter then apply. Carve, sand and glass over or paint as required. Be sure to prime before painting.

Another good ultralight shaping and filling mixture is West System Fairing Filler (410) mixed half and half with glass microballoons into standard epoxy resin. Mix the powders into epoxy until the consistency of peanut butter then apply. Carve, sand and glass over or paint as required. Be sure to prime before painting.